My Name is Khan

Cutting to the chase, the music of My Name is Khan is nothing close to any soundtrack that has ever been released by Dharma Productions. Keeping close to the theme of the film, the music is filled with Sufi influences which are a cut away from the usual bubbly-cheesy banter that is considered the norm in most Karan Johar films. Additionally, you immediately realize that MNIK will not contain any dance numbers. In fact all of the songs will be used as montages sequences throughout the film. However, that doesn’t mean the music will be boring. It is just the opposite. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have outdone themselves with My Name is Khan and a special shout out to Niranjan Iyengar, the lyricist, who has penned some of the most elegant Urdu lyrics in the history of Bollywood music.

First in the album of six, is the popular and beautiful Sajda. This Sufi number takes top honors in the album as the amazing Rahat Fateh Ali Khan croons with Richa Sharma and Shankar Mahadevan. What works for the song is the use of traditional instruments including the tabla and dholaks. Of course, the lyrics are strikingly effective. It is the fusion of Urdu and Punjabi as well as the mixture of Richa and Rahat which make ‘Sajda’ a real treat to listen to.

Of course, a qawwali number is required in such a film and Tere Naina is just that. This time it is Shafqat Amanat Ali who sings this time round. The lyrics are incredibly outstanding in a song that clearly will depict the character of Rizvan played by Shah Rukh Khan admiring his ladylove Kajol. A stanza that particularly stood out included comparing the eyes of Mandira (Kajol) to the world, footprints in the sand…of how it is not necessary to speak because her eyes knew it all. Effective and brilliantly written.

Adnan Sami proves that he is still one of the best singers in the country. He contributes to the MNIK album with Noor-e-Khuda. Immediately, you are transported back in time to his ‘Kabhi Toh Nazar Milao’ days when the singer was at his peak. The song speaks of the splendor that love brings. Singing with Sami is Shreya Ghosal and Shankar Mahadevan.

Allah Hi Rahem is more a religiously bound number but doesn’t sound preachy in anyway. Yet again a Sufi number features on the album but this time sung by Rashid Ali. However, the lyrics once again talk about love and ishq in many ways. Taking the cake in lyrics, ‘Allah Hi Rahem’ is the owner of exquisite lyrics which include, “Tu ishq mera, ae mere khuda, Har saans mein hai bas teri dua, Tu ishq mera, ae mere khuda…” (You are my love and my God; in every breathe is a prayer for you; you are my love; oh dear God). Need we say more?

Shankar Mahadevan adds a touch of contemporary rock to Rang De. One of the most casual and chilled number in the soundtrack, ‘Rang De’ is the only song in the album that may sound somewhat sermonish as its lyrics sing about peace, unity and compassion. However, that doesn’t make it a bad listen. It works in just the opposite in fact; you are inclined to make a difference courtesy of ‘Rang De’.

The title song to the album, My Name is Khan comes last in the soundtrack. The piece sets the scene for the film with its Sufi and contemporary styles. It works.

Also included are four fabulous songs from previous Shah Rukh Khan films including ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ from Kal Ho Na Ho, ‘Suraj Hua Maddham’ from Kabhie Kushi Kabhi Gham, ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’ from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ from yes, you guessed it, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. It will be interesting to see how they are used in the film.

My Name is Khan is a totally different album to what Dharma Productions listeners are accustomed to. Like we mentioned before, there is no naach-gaana in My Name is Khan but that shouldn’t refrain you from buying the album. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have outdone themselves with Karan Johar’s next super-big venture. You should pick up a copy of My Name is Khan…and soon might we add.